2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X5 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 1225 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW X5 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 282 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | X5 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1775 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2933 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 85 L |
